Trump Orders New Wave of Strikes on Iran, Attacks Possible This Weekend

US President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to launch a new wave of attacks against Iran, according to US officials cited by multiple media outlets on July 31. The strikes could begin as early as this weekend and are expected to last several days. The order was discussed during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland on Friday. Trump told reporters at the meeting that the US would be hitting Iran "very hard". He said that at some point, Iran would say, "We just can't take it anymore". US officials told The Wall Street Journal that the objective of the new strikes is to force Tehran to surrender. Multiple sources also told CBS News that the US and Israel are planning one of the most intense bombing campaigns of the war, targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, including power plants and refineries. The possible strikes come as the US and Israel consider expanding economic isolation against Iran. The Telegraph reported on Friday that the US and Israel are considering implementing a land blockade against Iran, as Trump believes the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has reached its limit. The Pentagon has declined to comment on specific targets. Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said the Department of Defense is prepared to execute the president's orders. "In the event of a presidential decision, the Department of Defense is prepared," Parnell said. The announcement has already moved global markets. WTI crude oil futures surged more than 3% in electronic trading, while Brent crude rose over 4%. The conflict with Iran is entering its sixth month. The US and Israel launched joint military operations against Iran in late February. A temporary ceasefire brokered by Pakistan in April collapsed earlier this month after negotiations stalled. Iranian forces have resumed attacks. Iran's military said on Friday it launched drone strikes targeting US military facilities in Kuwait. The Iranian military also claime